When three pairs of fingers are discovered in three separate locations around Cumbria, the National Crime Agency’s Washington Poe and his sidekick Matilda ‘Tilly’ Bradshaw are determined to discover who they belong to and who left them there, and what does the strange message #BSC6 mean that has been left at every scene? If anyone can work it out, these two can!

When I heard that there was a new book in this series I couldn’t wait to be ‘Bradshawed’ again, Tilly is back, just as naïve as before but with even more endearing traits than ever and when she’s teamed up with Poe again, they are a force to be reckoned with. You couldn’t wish for a better, albeit oddly suited, duo. This story hits the ground running, with action right from the start and up to the very last page, it’s a fast paced read with lot of twists and turns and a jaw dropping conclusion that will shock even the most unshockable. Craven knows how to write a complex plot with technical details that will blow your mind, but in the end it will all make sense. It’s a masterpiece!

This is the third book in the Washington Poe series and, although you can read them all as standalone, it is better that they are read in order to gain some background on the main characters. This one kept me up way past my bedtime and I highly recommend it.

I’d like to thank Little Brown Book Group and Netgalley for the auto approval, I will post my review on both Goodreads and Amazon.

My thanks to Little, Brown Book Group U.K. - Constable for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘The Curator’ by M. W. Craven in exchange for an honest review.

From publisher: “It's Christmas and a serial killer is leaving displayed body parts all over Cumbria. A strange message is left at each scene: #BSC6”.

In order to preserve the many surprises within and avoid spoiler territory, I won’t write more about its plot.

This is the third in Craven’s DS Washington Poe series of police procedurals set in Cumbria. This follows on from the events of ‘Black Summer’; though enough background is provided to allow new readers to feel at home.

The case takes some very interesting turns that certainly took me by surprise. Yet they all felt quite natural rather than twists for twists sake. It proved a very intense reading experience.

An excellent crime thriller that is well plotted and includes rich descriptions of the stark landscapes. I also felt that its characters were well rounded and came alive on the page. Tilly Bradshaw, Poe’s friend and colleague, is one of my favourite supporting characters.

Again, this is a novel and series that I highly recommend. I was comforted by Craven’s sign off “see you all in a year”. Yes please!

The Curator is the third instalment in the Washington Poe series, following Detective Sergeant Washington Poe and the team at the National Crime Agency as they attempt to uncover the truth behind murders happening in the Cumbria area. In this instalment Poe and Tilly are called in to investigate a seemingly random set of murders, with the mysterious message #BSC6 left at the scene. As Poe and Tilly attempt to uncover the truth things take a darker turn and Poe will need everything he’s got to stop the man known as The Curator.

The Washington Poe series is without a doubt one of my favourite crime series. Dark, engrossing and full of surprise twists – each new instalment is high on my anticipated releases list. I think I say this every time a new one is released but this one is even more incredible than the previous two. The story hooks you in right from the very first chapter and sets a quick pace the whole way through. It’s an addictive read and I ended up staying up way past my bedtime because I absolutely could not put this one down. Craven weaves a clever and complex tale, one that contains plenty of twisty turny moments I definitely didn’t see coming.

Part of the reason I love this series so much is the fantastic characters. Clever and stubborn Poe, combined with his best friend genius Tilly Bradshaw make for an incredible partnership and I love seeing their friendship continue to grow over this latest instalment. I love the dialogue between the two of them, there’s a fair few funny moments as well as them looking out for each other.

I don’t want to say too much about the plot as this is definitely the kind of book you go into knowing as little as possible. It’s eerie, full to the brim with mystery and intrigue. If you love crime series that will have you guessing right to the very end, the Washington Poe series is a must read. If you’ve read the first two I definitely recommend picking up The Curator – just make sure you give yourself lots of free time to read it, you won’t want to put it down.

Book three in this highly addictive series is my favourite so far. A brilliantly clever crime thriller with two of my favourite characters, Poe and Tilly.
The book begins with the discovery of six severed fingers from three people. They eventually find one body but where are the other two victims?
Tilly is working hard to find a link between the victims and we are treated to some more of her innocent but brutally honest comments, which really made me smile.
Flynn is heavily pregnant and knows she should be on maternity leave but can’t leave Poe and Tilly to it as this killer is a clever one.
I loved this book from start to finish but the final few chapters are real nail biters as Poe and Tilly have a race against time to save someone’s life.
If you’ve not read this series and enjoy a good crime thriller than I highly recommend you pick these books up.
Thanks to Little Brown Book Group and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

M.W. Craven delivers again on this, his third Poe police crime novel. It's a non-stop thrill ride as Poe and Tilly investigate three murders that appear to be the work of a serial killer but are just the start of a wild journey to a twisted mind. Having read lots of thriller, I thought I knew what was coming, but confess that I still had the rug pulled out from under me on more than one occasion, so I really enjoyed the reading experience!
I was also lulled into a false sense of security, where I thought "oh, this isn't as gruesome or dark as the previous two..." until the end confrontations.. it was seriously reading through squinted eyes horrific!
To counter-act all that, however, I must say that Craven maintains a personal sense of humour amongst the pages that is likeable and easy-going.

Consistently top-notch thriller writing!

What can I say but Mike Craven has done it again - he has another bestseller on his hands!

I loved this one, well I was going to anyhow but this didn’t disappoint. The story was unique, the pacing was brilliant, the characters were great. I loved the Tilly / Poe partnership. Plus, the ending! What more can I say? Roll on to the next one!

The Puppet Master one of my favourite books of 2019. I shouted about Black Summer and now its time to introduce The Curator. Its been a pleasure to read via NetGalley and its been the perfect follow up to Black Summer and The Puppet Master. These Washington Poe and Tilly Bradshaw books are ones you NEED to read, don't be in any doubt how amazing they are. There aren't many books I would read again, but these I would.

Let's be honest - this book is a masterpiece - no exaggeration. Plot, characters, curveballs - this book has it all.

Washing Poe has spent Christmas in Shap Fell, in his beloved croft. With Edgar his endearing singer spaniel as company. However, now it's Boxing Day and Tilly has dragged Poe along to DI Stephanie Flynn's baby shower. None of them particularly want to be there and are grateful when a call comes in from DS Jo Nightingale that gets them out of there, but it also means there is a new case requiring Tilly's technical abilities and her team at the Serious Crime Analysis Section (SCAS), Poe's experience, and Flynn's police powers and back up.

Two days before - on Christmas Eve - everyone is desperate to get home and lets face it, no one likes secret Santa - the dreaded annual anonymous office gift-giving ceremony - disguised in Christmas wrapping paper as fun. Well, for Barbara Willoughby whose turn it is to open her gift at John Bull Haulage, it's just about to get even worse. She's been told her boyfriend Craig, is going to propose, using the office secret Santa as the 'dream romantic proposal' and maybe it was in theory until something other than an engagement ring falls out the box.

Christmas Day and more discoveries are made, in a church. Then on Boxing Day, planted in public this time - So, three lots of body parts, three victims, that's when Poe, Bradshaw and Flynn are called in.

The body parts found are linked, that's for certain, by the mysterious code #BSC6 - as its left at all the crime scenes. But who do these body parts belong to? Whos placed them where they are and what's the motive? What's the link, what are they missing?

Tilly quickly cracks the code, Poe uses his previous experience of army tracking to locate clues and it's up to Flynn's team to catch the culprit. But their main one seems too obvious and they can't figure out why. Poe needs more information, he's retracing the pattern, double-checking on his 'Murder wall' what is it they're missing? An American FBI agent gets in touch with Poe and whats clear, is that this time it's dangerous, there seems to be more at stake and Poe can't let his guard down.

Tilly and Poe seem to have reached the point of being more than colleagues. They are friends and this adds more risk, for them to fight harder for what they believe to be right. A Risk for their lives, and those they take along with them. There are a number of strong characters in the Poe series and we see more of them in each book as the stories progress. Pathologist Estelle Doyle is gravely fitting with her intuition of The Curator and how he works, as characters go, I really like her.

The Curator is clever, but Tilly's intellect and Poe's abrasive nature mean they have an astute way of working together, they know how each other thinks, where what they just realised will take them and the next set of questions. They roll off each other and in The Curator, we see Tilly come to the fore and shine like never before. She's with Poe every step of the way and she really comes into her own, she's no longer his slightly awkward office-based side-kick - she is there, in the field, crime-solving alongside Poe and Craven writes it so well, and it's not going to go smoothly, there is still risk and danger, as the case isn't solved yet. But they make it seamless.

You may feel my review is a bit woolly (no sheep puns intended) but I don't want to give any spoilers away, you need to read this for yourselves to really know how incredible The Curator really is.

The Curator has required research, meticulous planning and the mind of M.W. Craven must be like the pit of hell to come up with this storyline. It's deep, much darker than before, and been stepped up to the max. When I first read The Puppet Master, I thought how can you better this, but he did it again with Black Summer and again now, this only makes me think he's holding back the full force of what's yet to come because Washington Poe and Tilly Bradshaw are not through yet - this is certain because book 4 Dead Ground is to be published in June 2021 and books 5 and 6 are in motion, along with a short story or two and the TV adaption of The Puppet Master to look forward too. There's a whole new crime fan base waiting to fall under Craven's spell.

Deep and as dark as hell, but oh so very clever. Craven has done it again.

What can I say Craven has done it again... This novel is exceptional! Fast-paced, thrilling & oh so clever. I've said it once and I'll say it again he is a mastermind at his craft.

I was literally counting down the days until I could get my mitts on this! It exceeded my very very high expectations and I'm going to go out on a limb here and say it is my favourite of the series (how many days until Dead Ground is out?! Who do I have to kidnap to get an early copy?).

Poe & Tilly are the best crime duo about. I love their relationship, how fiercely protective of each other they are. Their exchanges, and how they have grown to love each other's little quirks. Most of all love that they will go to the ends of the earth for each other but there is no romantic agenda. They are dynamic, funny & will steal a piece of your heart.

This plot is compelling, gruesome & completely original. If you are looking for a crime novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat, that you will not be able to put down and one that you will not be able to guess the ending of, look no further. Pick this up and enjoy the ride, you can thank me later! I whole-heartedly recommend this book and if you haven't yet come across Poe & Tilly then definitely treat yourself to the whole series! (You certainly don't have to, to enjoy The Curator but the only person missing out is you).

A huge thanks to Little Brown Books & NetGalley for sending me a copy in return for an open & honest review.

Ps. If you loved this as much as I did and would like to know more about the genius behind it head over to my blog for a Q&A with M. W. Craven himself http://agirlwithherheadstuckinabook.blogspot.com/2020/05/author-of-month-m-w-craven.html

I received a free eARC of The Curator but that has in no way influenced my review.

I've been waiting a whole year (and a bit) for The Curator to arrive on my kindle. And what's the first thing I do when it does? I simper a little because I finally have a copy - the wait is over! - and then I try to pretend it's not there. Crazy, right? I was so keen to read this book but at the same time, I was really, really nervous. What if I didn't enjoy it? What if I rushed in and didn't savour it (it's a flipping long wait 'til the next one, that's for sure!)? And that, I think, is the sign of an incredibly talented author who has built the beginnings of a series into something that, for the reader, is extra special. Reading The Curator, for me, was an event. Something to look forward to. Something to anticipate and savour every minute of. Something to remember. And I loved it. Craven can do no wrong in my eyes.

DS Washington Poe, Tilly Bradshaw and a heavily pregnant DI Stephanie Flynn of the National Crime Agency are called back to Cumbria to investigate a perplexing case. Severed fingers. What appears to be three pairs from three individuals, left over the Christmas period in the most surprising of places. On further investigation it's confirmed that one finger in the pair was removed antemortem, the other finger was removed postmortem. But that's only a tiny piece of the puzzle. The female victims were drugged, the male victim wasn't. And a note was left with each set of fingers with the hashtag #BSC6. The team - even with Tilly's immense intelligence and analytical brain - are initially baffled. But then through a little supposition and a lot of analysis, a suspect emerges. But what the suspect tells them turns everything upside down. This isn't any run of the mill serial killer, this is the Curator...

Another absolutely cracking novel from the crime fiction mastermind that is M.W. Craven. I loved this book and savoured every darn second I had with it. I could have easily read this book in a couple of sittings but I slowed down to ensure I enjoyed every twist and turn. Craven appears to be one of those crime writers who doesn't shy away from digging the depths of the internet to find strange and unusual ideas for his novels, which he then twists and shapes into crime fiction gold. The Curator is solid proof of that. An intriguing and intricate setup, followed by an edge of your seat hunt for the bad guy, culminating in a devilishly dark twist that you won't see coming.

Even when I had my suspicions about who the killer was, there was another unexpected gut punch just waiting around the corner. Such a clever well-written book that hooks you in from the get-go and doesn't let go until the shocking finale.

Tilly and Poe are wonderful creations who have been firm favourites of mine since the very first book. I've loved watching their friendship and working relationship grow over the last couple of years. The chemistry and the bond they have, makes for compelling reading. The humour and the wit the author includes in the story adds a few lighter moments to what is a brilliantly dark and twisty story. Expertly paced, skilfully written and all in a setting to die for (literally!).

Would I recommend this book? Absolutely, categorically, YES! If you're a crime fiction fan and you haven't met Tilly and Poe yet, then that has to change. The Curator can easily be read as a standalone but if you've not read any of the books before, why not treat yourself to the entire series?! Be whisked away to deepest, darkest Cumbria and meet two totally unforgettable characters who you will grow to love and admire. I loved this book and I'm counting down the days until Dead Ground is published next year. Another stunning novel from an accomplished writer and I'm really excited to see what the future holds (let's hope it's a lot more Tilly and Poe!).

I chose to read and review an eARC of The Curator. The above review is my own unbiased opinion.

Oh, how I’ve been looking forward to this. I read the first book, The Puppet Show on holiday last summer as loads of my bookblogger friends quite rightly said it was fantastic. That was followed by Black Summer later in the year, where Poe and Tilly went up against some very devious and dangerous shenanigans. I loved book #2 even more than the first.

And here we are with book 3, The Curator. Could M.W. Craven pull off that hat-trick?

Yes, yes he can. Look, if you’ve read the first two books you’ll need no incentive from me to go and pick up this latest instalment. Washington Poe and Tilly Bradshaw are back on the case, and what a case is is. Someone is leaving severed digits as a trail of clues, and it’s up to our heroes to work out what’s up.

Look, I could happily read a story about Poe and Tilly taking a day off to go to the beach. Craven clearly loves these characters (as do we) and a large proportion of the fun is watching them bounce off each other as they work towards solving whatever crime they happen to be investigating.

But Craven is also a deft hand at a devious plot, with plenty of twists and turns along the way, red herrings strewn across our path like some kind of biblical plague. You’ll think you’ve got it sussed, only for something to pop up, whallop you across the chops with a large fish (like that Monty Python sketch) and run off, leaving you confused but still determined to work out what’s going on.

In short, I loved it. Go buy it and enjoy. If you’ve not met Poe and Tilly before, then get yourself to a bookshop (supporting the independents, obviously) and settle down for a treat.

Hugely enjoyable, and highly recommended.

The Curator is the third release from the Washington Poe series, and in my opinion it’s the best yet!

Fast paced, punchy and dark, this book grabbed me from the beginning and struck the perfect balance between police procedural and thriller. I found it easy to follow but there was plenty of twists and turns, and although previous cases are referenced, and I’d advise anyone to start at the beginning if possible (with book 1: The Puppet Show), I don’t feel it’s essential – you can enjoy this one as a standalone novel too.

The characters are as engaging as always. I love Poe; he’s your typical brilliant detective who has a rebellious nature but without being too much of a ‘maverick detective’ cliche. His sidekick Tilly Bradshaw is as brilliant as ever, and provides plenty of entertainment. Poe and Bradshaw just work together so well, both in their sleuthing work and as characters interacting within the story.

The storyline is twisted, surprising and shocking, and one part of the ‘solution’ felt perhaps a little far fetched for me, but on the whole I thought the story was absolutely brilliant. It’s definitely got some bits that make for uncomfortable reading, so if you’re after a gentle detective novel this perhaps isn’t for you! It’s got plenty of grit and lots of very dark moments, which I loved (as always!).

I didn’t want The Curator to end and am already excited about book four!

Loved this story! It’s so nice to read something so different from the average crime story. This is an unputdownable, read in one sitting book. I like the fast past and nervousness it conjures in me as I read it!

Wow ... just wow!!

Why have I not read any of this series before? Where have I been living to have missed them? I must have been walking around with my eyes closed given this is the 3rd instalment!! I have probably missed the development of the main characters and their backstories but it certainly didn't take anything away from my enjoyment of this book so can safely say it can be read as a standalone.

I won't go into the plot as it's all in the blurb but what I will say is that despite it being complex, the writing is such that it isn't a hard read and although it's a dark and gritty story, the sarcasm and wit lightens it somewhat especially as it feels natural and not forced. The pace is perfect and the setting is spot on ... not that I'm biased or anything given that I live in Cumbria.

The characters are believable and just brilliant. Washington is a breath of fresh air, he is a bit grumpy but likeable nonetheless and someone you definitely want to be on your side. I absolutely adore Tilly - I need her in my life and would love her to spend just one day in my office - oh the carnage! I will never eat a bar nut again!!

Well you've probably already guessed that I enjoyed this book but just in case I haven't been clear ... it is absolutely brilliant and is one of those books that you tell people to read because it's that good.

My thanks must go to Little, Brown Book Group and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest review. I am so grateful I was one of the chosen ones and I await the next instalment with impatience.

Disembodied fingers are appearing in seemingly random locations, all left next to the phrase #BSC6. Can Poe and Bradshaw discover the link before it’s too late?

This was my first delve into a crime thriller by M W Craven and I was a little apprehensive having not read the previous 2 books in the Washington Poe series. However, I soon felt at home with the characters and their backstory without feeling left out or like I was given an overload of information at any point. M W Craven is a skilled storyteller to lay on this exposition lightly and at the right moments for his new readers.

The plot itself is intriguing, with various fingers belonging to various victims being found at fairly scandalous places. There’s references to the ‘Blue Whale’ style internet games which keeps the whole thing gruesome and topical. The plot also felt very linear and easy to follow, no big leaps of judgement or guesswork were needed to jump from one point to the next although it never felt predictable. The end twist (x2!) then turned everything on it’s head and I did not see either of them coming! The book is also well-written to be pacey and kept the stakes high as I raced through the pages.

I enjoyed the characters of Washington Poe, the grizzled detective and social awkward Tilly Bradshaw. They made for a great pairing and bounced off each other well. I would certainly keep an eye out for more books in this series and also (TBR permitting) go back and read the first two books as well.

Overall The Curator is a fantastic read and I recommend it to everyone – even those who haven’t read the other books in the series. Thank you to NetGalley & Little Brown Book Group UK – Constable for the chance to read the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Another excellent book from MW Craven which I am delighted to give a maximum score
I do love a good British police story and Washington Poe and Tilly are my favourite duo. All the characters are like old friends I am so happy to meet again and again.
I’ve recommended MW Craven to everyone I know who enjoys a thriller and The Curator is so thrilling I forgot to breath some of the uptime I’m sure.

Poe is back, Tilly is back
Whatever else unsettling is happening currently in the world it all seemed to fade for a bit with these 2 back on the scene and raring to go
It really is like having 2 friends arrive for their yearly visit and dysfunctional as both are it’s great to see them again
They are 2 of my favourite people in books and would happily meet up with them 🤗
The story is scary, dark, nasty and gruesome and involves the dark web and what, if you are evil and twisted, you can find on there to plan a hideous and grotesque crime
The characters, aside from the Poe/Tilly magic are all instantly imaginable in your head, some are return charcaters, some are new, ALL are unforgettable and all play their part superbly
The plot is twisted, in more ways than one and the Whodunit really clever and even when you think you may, just may have solved it....WHAM another shock appears in front of you
I love the writing and the smooth way it goes from chapter to chapter and it’s one of those ‘just 1 more chapter’ that turns into ‘just 5 more’
Love the charcaters, love the story, love the wonderful descriptions of Cumbria, and the love the series, it really couldn’t be published at a more needed time
Oh and the acknowledgments and thanks pages are hilarious
5 Stars
10/10

The Curator
M W Craven
This is the third in the Washington Poe series and is without question my favourite. Although Craven gives enough background to make it a standalone, you will be much more invested in the characters if you have read the previous two.

It’s Christmas time and Poe and his socially awkward colleague Tilly are attending the baby shower of their boss at the National Crime Agency, DI Stephanie Flynn. In the meantime, a rather gruesome discovery is being made at an office Christmas party. What follows is a twisty-turny rollercoaster of a ride that will suck you up and throw you out at the other end, gasping for air. I guarantee you will not see the end coming.

What I love about these stories is that they are from Poe’s point of view and so we are just as clueless as he is about the techie stuff that Tilly is brilliant at (well I am anyway) and so having her explain it to him in layman’s terms works really well. And we get to see crime scenes through Poe’s eyes and receive the information when he does, although he does sometimes keep things from the reader and then hits us with it! The chemistry between Poe and Tilly is pretty much unmatched and the black humour is still there, as it was in The Puppet Show and Black Summer.

This gets a definite 5* from me and I think you should read it now!

Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for my ARC

The Curator is one of those books that you can immerse yourself in and forget about the world outside. Unfortunately nothing could be more appropriate when I. started this book as my hubby was seriously ill in hospital (not Covid-19) It was the only thing I could take in and read so let me tell you now, It’s pretty special! I love the relationship Poe n Tilly have and I especially love how Tilly addresses people by their full name! Another gripping story unfolds full of intriguing characters and‘I’ll just google it’ places with surprises aplenty. I have loved and I know I will continue to love this series for as long as they are written so don’t stop Mr C!!
With thanks to the publisher and net galley for an early copy, my apologies for taking a while to read it!

The curator is the 3rd book in the Washington Poe series. I regretfully had not read the first two books of the series before diving straight into this one. On the other hand the author does a great job at giving enough background information to read as a standalone. I thoroughly enjoyed this book as a standalone. I think anyone wishing to read should start at the beginning, as I believe I would have got even more from this book if I had. I will now reach for the first two books. The characters are very well constructed and the plot is complex, tense and full of twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat and sure to grab your attention from the get go. I would highly recommend this book.

This is book number three in the Washington Poe series, although it can be read as a standalone I highly recommend reading the previous two books to get the back story.

The Curator sees Poe and Tilly Bradshaw from the National Crime Agency teaming up again to crack another complex murder investigation. This time three pairs of fingers have been discovered on three consecutive days in three locations over the Christmas holidays in Cumbria. At the scene of each crime, a piece of paper was found with #BSC6 written on them.

This is another well written, well researched and compelling read. I love the chemistry between the characters and look forward to further books in the series.